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USS Midway Museum

4.7 (2.1k reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

USS Midway Museum Photos

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Recommended Reviews - USS Midway Museum

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Ariadna S.

At first, I was not stoked about $41 for an unguided museum tour. But it turned out surprisingly well. I enjoyed my time and got to see quite a lot of the ship and enjoy the harbor view. My boyfriend was entertained and had a good time there!

Rescue chopper
Winston L.

Have you ever been on an aircraft carrier? The last time I toured the USS Midway was over a decade ago and I forgot how massive these things are. Budget 3 hours to explore the ship if you want the express tour. 5 hours if you want the comprehensive experience. We stayed 3.5 hours, were able to listen to most of the audio tour, but missed one of the coolest areas of the ship, the Bridge. Highlights of our experience: A movie reenacting the Battle of Midway, which is often described as the turning point in the Pacific during World War II, and the namesake for the ship. The engine room Getting to experience what life was like on board the ship - living quarters, food, entertainment The flight deck - being able to walk through and see 10+ planes and helicopters As of this writing, the parking lot was $20 for 2-6 hours. To get the full experience, navigating many parts of the ship will require climbing stairs and ladders, ducking, and stepping over things. Truly a memorable experience - lots of things to learn, and plenty of unique things to see.

Nick P.

I would suggest coming here in the morning on a week day because the parking can be limited in the area. I paid $20 for parking at the USS Midway parking lot and that was for 6 hrs worth. The admission to the museum is $41 I believe at the door. You can save $2 if you buy online. We spent about 3 hrs here but I was still bummed we didn't go on the tour at the top. I was more interested in the history of the ship than my girlfriend. If you truly are interested in this place then I suggest spending 3-3.5 hrs here. Afterwards, you can walk to Seaport Village since you already paid for parking. They have clean restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a place you can eat.

Nini L.

The USS Midway Museum is a fascinating place to visit--both educational and fun for families! **Tickets:** We bought our tickets ahead of time through the Booking app and got a 15% "Genius discount." I strongly suggest getting your tickets online before you go. We walked right in while the line to buy tickets onsite was quite long! As of April 2026, online ticket prices are $39 (ages 13+), $29 (ages 4-12), and $26 for veterans (per the museum's website). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. We visited from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., focusing mostly on the aircraft exhibits. **Parking:** $20 for six hours. **Museum Layout:** The museum spans three levels of the aircraft carrier, each offering something unique. They provide a free audio tour--just tap the device at each exhibit's icon to listen. We really enjoyed it! The only downside is that you have to hold the device close to your ear. There's a headphone port, but we only had wireless earbuds. I like that there were benches here and there throughout the place. 1. Hangar Deck: This is where you enter first. Besides the exhibits, there are two ride experiences--a VR simulation and a seated flight simulator ($10 per person; 4/4/26). We did the VR one, and it was a lot of fun! This level also has the food court, gift shop, and restrooms at the far end. There are tables indoors and outdoors on a patio (a few umbrellas would be nice as it can get hot and sunny!). There's also a water refill station near the bathrooms. 2. Flight Deck (top deck): Outdoor and without shade, so plan accordingly. Amazing views and plenty of photo ops, plus a great display of aircraft. You can even see the giant "Kissing Sailor" statue from up there. 3. Below Deck: This area involves stairs and ladders that can be tricky for young kids or anyone with mobility issues. The website says there are elevators, but we didn't use them, so can't comment on accessibility. **Staff:** All the staff members were very friendly and helpful! Some exhibits include real people who share stories or answer questions, which added a nice personal touch. **Food:** Around 12:30 p.m., we stopped for lunch in the museum's food court. We had sandwiches and a burger with fries: perfectly fine and convenient. Beware of the seagulls at lunchtime: they're brave and know how to get close! **Statue:** After exploring the aircraft, we walked over to the famous "Unconditional Surrender" kissing statue nearby and browsed some small souvenir shops along the way. **Conclusion:** We're so glad we went! It was a great family outing and a wonderful way to learn some history while having fun together.

Daughter loved the exhibits.
jennifer i.

Great museum and super huge. There is so much information to read and interactive exhibits too. My daughter is 3 she absolutely loved climbing in and out of the exhibits and planes. She loved walking through the exhibits really fast and was so excited !!! Mommy couldn't read that much. But it was a super fun experience. The workers are really friendly and knowledgeable. They also have workers constantly cleaning and sanitizing. The place is so huge you probably need hours to get a good view of everything. Even days!!!

Corsair f-4U
Gary B.

After going to this museum over the past 10 years I became an annual member. Totally worth it to me . Always something new to explore. Make sure you go to the lower decks to see the engine room and communications areas. The movie is good and most people will want to take the island/ bridge tour

Allen N.

I had chance to visit the USS Midway Museum while in San Diego. Definitely feels like stepping back in time. We did the Admiral's Quarters and Ship's Galley guided tours and both were well worth the time. The Admiral's tour gave a cool look at how leadership lived onboard, and the Galley tour was super interesting seeing how they fed and cared for so many sailors at sea. City at sea! A big "Thank you" to all the volunteers who keep this historic museum floating. Much appreciated.

Premiere of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence
Karen N.

One of the coolest attractions in San Diego. They mentioned that the Midway was rated number one attraction in San Diego on Trip Advisor, and I believe it! I had never been as a kid, because my family doesn't have a huge military connection. My Dad was in the Naval Reserve when he was young, but he was never interested in exploring things like the Midway or Star of India. So I never experienced it until I was an adult. And I've only been here for special events that were held on board. A Black Joe Lewis concert sponsored by Jack Daniel's on the top deck was a wild time. And recently we went to the Killer Tomatoes movie premiere held on the inside deck, which was a good thing because of the cold. I've never actually done the tour of the ship. All of the staff and volunteers are super helpful and friendly. Sometime I'll have to come and actually do the tour, lol. They have some assistance for people with mobility issues. Check the website for info, and contact them if you have other questions. The biggest issue is obviously parking. We parked .75 mile away and walked, because we were able to find free parking and we were going to be there for quite a while. We enjoyed the walk along the waterfront, and the new additions like the park with the firepits and an updated restroom. There is closer paid parking next to the Midway, and meter and pay lots along Harbor Drive. The closest trolley stop is America Plaza, and it's a little bit of a hike.

Bryan And G.

We made third stop on the Embarcadero the USS MIDWAY MUSEUM!!! it was the absolute perfect day to go, warm and sunny. We parked in the parking lot just to the south of ship, wanting to see the famous KISS STATUE. It's of the Kiss after WWII IN TIMES SQUARE. We walked a short 10 Minute WALK from there, past all of the various vendors and pedicabs. We're FREEDOM MEMBERS, and got in right away. I am disabled and used the elevator to get up and down in the aircraft carrier. We want to thank them for providing the service. When I got to the middle of the ship, I got a DIET COKE REFILL. I went to the overhang and rested from the heat. After about 20 Minutes, I went to the Flight Deck. I met up with my Partner, GONZALO. I watched a presentation for a few minutes, which was very interesting. I then walked down to the end by the other aircraft carriers.

Sarah T.

The USS Midway Museum in San Diego is a naval aircraft carrier museum located on the Navy Pier. It has self-guided audio tours in a number of languages. You enter & just click on the audio as you walk by each exhibit. Definitely family-friendly & a few field trips as I noticed groups of young students. What a wonderful field trip! The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free admission for active-duty military. I learned a lot during my visit. All the volunteers were so friendly. Thank you for volunteering your time & for your passion & willingness to educate everyone who visits the museum

Stanislav P.

The USS Midway Museum is an incredible experience and easily one of the top attractions in San Diego. Walking aboard this massive aircraft carrier is impressive on its own, but once you start exploring the decks, cockpits, engine rooms, and crew quarters, the history really comes alive. The flight deck is packed with restored aircraft, and the views of the harbor are fantastic. Inside, the exhibits are detailed and interactive, with audio tours that feature real stories from sailors who served on the ship -- which adds a powerful, personal touch. Everything was well organized and clearly marked, volunteers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the entire ship felt spotless and well maintained. There's so much to see that you can easily spend several hours wandering around without realizing how much time has passed. If you're into history, aviation, or just want a unique hands-on museum experience, this place is a must-visit. Fascinating, immersive, and unforgettable.

Andres A.

What an amazing museum. This battleship is an amazing example of American craftsmanship. We were able to see the various warplanes, jets and helicopters which defended America in various wars. We toured the flight deck and the bridge to see how this carrier was operated. The museum had plenty of volunteers to answer any question one would have.

View from the USS Midway San Diego, CA
Olga M.

Always enjoy taking our visitors from out of town to the USS Midway on the San Diego Harbor for a tour. The USS Midway is preparing for their 3rd annual Christmas Jingle Jets event, over one million of dazzling lights across three decks. They will be having new shows and activities for kids and families, Festive performances and holiday karaoke along with photos with Santa etc. Dates: November 28-December 30th, 2025, select nights. Don't miss out! Happy Yelping :)

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USS Midway Museum Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - USS Midway Museum

Do u recommend taking a 3 & 4 year old and how long should I expect to stay here?

Yes great place for the kids to take pictures and you can stay a short time or till they close up to you.

Are there guided tours or just the self guided/audio tour?

They offer both. The self-guided tour is a great free option. Just grab an audio device and a map… Read more

Do i need to buy tickets in advance for the day self guided tours or can purchase tickets at the gate once i arrive?

It is not necessary, but it is possible to do so, and it certainly might speed things up on the day you go to the US Midway.… Read more

Can we bring foods?

They have a food court there. But as I recall they didn't check for food/drinks items when entering the facility .

Are wagons allowed?

If you are walking from somewhere and need one, just ask to leave it at Guest Services (the exit) as you board.… Read more

Are DSLR allowed?

Yes; you can bring DSLRs, and flash photography is permitted.

Do I need to make reservations before visiting?

You will notice if you book online that choosing a date is required. This requirement helps us determine how busy we may be on any given day. You may use your ticket on a date other than the date on your ticket. Tickets purchased at our ticket booth… Read more

Is the museum mostly outdoors or indoors?

Much of the interesting parts of the ship are inside and under the flight deck. So I would say that the majority of tour is inside.

Is the steering below decks available to see?

There were COVID-19 restrictions in force when we were there so we weren't able to see the whole ship. I'm not sure if you can go below deck or not. Their website may have the info you're looking for. All I can say is even though we couldn't do the… Read more

Is there a place to buy food? A Cafe or vending machines?

Yes there is a cafe on the fantail ( rear of the ship) where they sell food and souvenirs.

If I purchase e-tickets but don't have access to a printer, can I show them the e-tickets on my smartphone for entry?

yes you can. no printout necessary.

Is it stroller friendly?

Yes. They have many different tours available. There are a lot of different decks and elevators. There was a man in a wheelchair on one of our tours. Keep in mind it's a massive vessel and to see everything and do all the tours you'd end up spending… Read more

Are all the personnel coops available to see? I was stationed on the Midway from 89' to 91' and would love to show my family where I stayed.

YES, they are...and more important if you tell one of the docents...they will personally lead you to your bunk! Enjoy your visit

Can we bring in snacks for the kiddos? Update: Thanks for the answers everyone! We brought snacks…

I did. I also brought water bottle just no glass!

How many hours are needed to explore the whole ship museum for a new visitor?

At least a couple hours. One of the military volunteers gave us some great advice: start at the TOP of the ship where the aircraft are and work your way down.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

There is an elevator and ramp to the hangar bay and flight deck. But other than that the rest of the compartment spaces are a tight fit. The tour covers parts of both (hangar/flight deck) but most are in the spaces where wheel chairs are… Read more

Are they open on Martin Luther day

Yes, only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Review Highlights - USS Midway Museum

We enjoyed our tour, especially the two on flight deck presentations about how jet take-off & landing occur.

Mentioned in 353 reviews

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1.8 miBalboa Park

One of my favorite museums I've been to in SoCal. The two…read moremost outstanding exhibits in my opinion are the one regarding border crossing in Arizona and the one about secrets. Both exhibits stand out in different ways-- The border crossing exhibit sheds light on how many lives were lost in one small area in Arizona while the secret exhibit is interactive and elicits all sorts of emotions from the reader. Definitely recommend this museum and will be returning within the year as tickets are good for a year

Made it to Museum of Us in Balboa Park... and honestly? The main museum itself was just okay to me…read more A few interesting exhibits, some cool architecture, but nothing that really grabbed me at first. Then I walked into the second half -- the Cannibals: Myth & Reality exhibit -- and suddenly the admission fee became worth it. It wasn't some cheap shock-value horror setup either. It was surprisingly historical, psychological, and thought-provoking. The exhibit dives into how cultures throughout history have been accused of cannibalism, how colonial powers often weaponized those accusations, and how survival situations pushed ordinary people into impossible decisions. A few things that stood out: * Stories about shipwreck survivors and stranded explorers forced into life-or-death choices * Historical use of human remains in old European medicine (yes... actual medical "remedies") * Interactive exhibits that make you question where humanity draws moral lines * Pop culture comparisons from movies and folklore versus actual documented history * The fact that the exhibit stays mostly educational and "gore-free," which somehow made it even creepier The craziest part? You leave realizing how much of history is shaped by fear, propaganda, survival, and perspective. Also, the building itself has a wild history. The museum dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and sits in one of the most iconic buildings in Balboa Park. (Wikipedia) So overall: Main museum = anticlimactic. Cannibalism exhibit = unexpectedly fascinating and absolutely the highlight of the visit.

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Museum of Us
Museum of Us
Museum of Us - Front entrance facade

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Front entrance facade

The New Children's Museum

The New Children's Museum

3.7(765 reviews)
0.6 miDowntown

What an INCREDIBLE place. This is a hidden gem I didn't know about until literally today, and I've…read morelived in the area for 3 years now. This is the best place to take your kids for an entire day of fun and adventure. My favorite part of the entire place was the clay art station where you can get as much clay as you need and create whatever you want. Anything you make can be taken home. They also have a materials lab where you can create things out of cardboard and other recycled materials. 1000% recommend this place for families

We love everything about this place! There's so many different areas to explore. I would say it's…read morebest for 3-6, but if you have a creative older kid, there's several art options. They also have one baby/toddler only area. We spent hours in the creative art corner, clay, and painting the statue. Other favorites were big foam building blocks, knitted climbing area, and the fort. If you have a younger kiddo, you will need to climb in the fort, as there's several paths and drop offs. I try to go with a second adult when I have two kids. The staff is super nice and helpful. The place is always clean. They have a cafe with lots of "kid food". We usually pack a lunch and picnic across the street. Sometimes we come back in to hit the favorites again. I would say the only negative is the price. You pay for adults and kids. I have several friends that got the family pass and go often.

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The New Children's Museum - The New Children's Museum in San Diego, CA.

The New Children's Museum in San Diego, CA.

The New Children's Museum
The New Children's Museum - Stairway

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Stairway

USS Midway Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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